When guys give something, do they expect something in return?

Philippines
November 13, 2011 9:21am CST
Lately I have been receiving from a certain guy friend. I asked him why his doing this and what's the occasion but all he says is that he just like doing it and that an occasion is not needed when giving gifts. It is kind of odd and awkward that he is giving me gifts without a reason and I felt in debt or that he wants something in return. Am I right to feel that way? Or should I just be thankful? PS: We're just friends. ^_^
2 people like this
18 responses
@GavinKaos (272)
• United States
13 Nov 11
Some people give to make themselves feel good or be a good person. Some people want only friendship. Some people want an "IOU". There are the people who want booty calls. There are people (which most likely in this case) who give gifts to people because they like them but don't know how to tell them how they feel. Of course I don't know your whole situation, but going off of what you said. Sometimes "Just friends" is just that, but sometimes "just friends" means one person only wants a friendship, but the other person wants more. Unfortunately without more details, I can't give you much advice. He could just be trying to genuinely give you something, and expect nothing but friendship in return. Have you noticed him flirting? Or giving you an unusual amount of compliments?
• United States
15 Nov 11
Again I don't know the full story, but I hope everything works out the way you want. Just a word of the wise, if he does like you, he may understand that you don't want a relationship, but it doesn't mean he accepts it. You can't control who you have feelings for. You've done what you can, you've let him know how you feel about a relationship.
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
Thanks for the pointers. I'm keeping them in mind. We're just friends and I plan to keep it that way. If he wants to be more than friends than I can promote him as a bestfriend. But I've already made it clear to him that I don't want to be in a relationship as of now and I think he understands that. I do hope what you say is true coz he is giving me unusual amount of compliments. Though I admit I like it but it's a bit awkward. -_-
• Philippines
19 Nov 11
I hope so to Gavin. I am trying not to think much about it for now. He already knows that I don't want to be in a relationship and I think he understands. I'm not so sure about it though because he has not been texting me unlike before. Finally, my hands could get some rest. Lol ^_^
@vasumathi (436)
• India
13 Nov 11
According to me , " Guys expect something in return only in rare case". They respect relationship.
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
What rare case do you mean? Of course guys respect relationships. Still, nothing is free in this world now a days.
@areskya (398)
• Indonesia
13 Nov 11
That's right that there is nothing free in this world cos everything will be balance if you do take and give no matter you are only being friend or having special relation. So it is better for you to keep positive thinking with your friend. It is not fear for him if he has good intention but you give him bad thought of him.
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
I don't have bad thoughts. I just find it weird. Anyway, thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind. ^_^
• United States
13 Nov 11
From my experiences everyone wants something. weather they say it or not. but you did not ask for it so no you do not owe him a thing. and if you pointed out that all you want is friendship then he should respect that.
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
I did point out to him that I don't want a love life as of now and that I want to focus on my career and etc. I hope he understands coz lately he is acting weird. O_o
• United States
14 Nov 11
I hope he dose to good luck.
• India
13 Nov 11
May be you had done so many good things for him previously or you're still doing for which he is grateful to you and hence giving rewards, he may have true feelings for you as a friend and never have any ill motives in his mind going on, you're bound to get this feeling that you should give something in return and feelings indebted is obvious, so I'd suggest you to give him a gift which is made by you and not bought from a gift shop, collect his childhood pics from his family and make an album and give him a gift I'm sure he'd be delighted. All the best.
• Philippines
19 Nov 11
That's a great idea shailesh! I will try to do that. I don't have any childhood pics from him though. But I'll try to make something for him. Thanks for the advice. I wish all the best to you too. ^_^
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
Just be thankful for what you are receiving. If he already said that you need not worry about anything because he just likes giving you something, then believe in it and be grateful of the kind of guy that your friend is. Seldom do you meet those kind of men in this generation, and it's a wonderful note and a living proof that they still exist. Happy MyLotting and God bless and oh, welcome to MyLot! :)
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
Yes I am thankful that I have a friend like him. I know I need not worry but I can't help but feel obliged to give something in return. I always do unto others what others do unto me. Yes, he is one rare friend. I never thought they actually existed because I've always in believed in "Friends with Benefits." I guess I was wrong then. Thank you! Happy Mylotting too. GOD BLESS u ^_^
• Indonesia
13 Nov 11
in my opinion is they must give something and without expect any return from the guy. but with the guy say thanks it gonna be a big returning give.
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
That's what he told me that he doesn't expect anything in return. I did say THANK YOU a lot because it is kind of unexpected. _
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
I don't think so. Some guys might be giving us things without expecting anything in return (that depends on the motives) But I know guys who sincerely give things for the sake of friendship only.
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
Depends on the guy actually and his intentions. There are guys who just give out gifts to their girl friends and not expecting anything in return but there are also guys who give out gifts and expect something in return. You can actually assessed it yourself, you will know if that guy friend of yours will not expect anything in return. Yes you might be friends but it's possible that for him, your are his someone special though he's not yet ready to admit it to you. Might as well ask him about his true intentions.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Nov 11
I think your friend likes you so much. He wouldn't be giving you gifts if he don't. Yes, as of now he will say he just like doing it because he is still indenial, but in the end he will give you again with already a card expressing his feelings to you. So be careful, if you don't really like him to be more than friends.
@nezavisima (7408)
• Bulgaria
14 Nov 11
this is a very common practice friend. often a boy does something for you to be able then to say that I naparvih for you and what do I adde nothing. thus wants to get to his duty. I personally do not recognize any friends. My friends are the ones that help you in difficult moments in and do not want anything in return is a true friend. I know how you feel and I feel that way. nice day! interesting discussion.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
13 Nov 11
Some people are always expecting something back. This can also be being noticed. There are also people who love to give other gifts just because it makes them feel better. No more no less. If this friend is expecting more or something you are not willing to give him you can find out if you think this is the reason. Otherwise just enjoy the fact someone is thinking of you, wants to be your friend, is caring about you and wants to brighten up your life. There is nothing wrong with that we all need friends like that. I agree thre is no occastion needed to give someone a gift. Liking you or seeing something and thinking: that fits her is enough reason to if you can afford it yourself. I do exactly the same. Remember it's not always easy to accept gifts for no reason, it's something we have to learn and enjoy as well. Be happy with the gifts if you like them and be happy you have a friend like that.
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
Yes they are people who just love to give gifts. I'm now one of those people thanks to a very good friend who taught me how to be generous. But I'm actually the type who prefers to give than receive. So the moment that I received those gifts, I was surprised because I have been wanting to have a collection of it. I feel very grateful about it but still it's a bit awkward. I guess, I also have to learn to accept gifts for no reason. Thanks for the thought. ^_^
@mariahhh (1328)
• United Arab Emirates
14 Nov 11
Some people do, some people don't. I guess it depends on the relationship you have with that person. If he is courting you, I would guess he's waiting for you to return his feelings. If he is just a friend, why would he give you a gift? Is it because it's your birthday or some other occasion? If there is no occasion and he really just want to give you something, then maybe it's better to give him a thank you gift.
@phillyguy (3005)
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
You should be thankful but you should ask him what the real reason is because it looks like he like you to give you gifts even without occasion. It is better to know early what his intentions are. By the way may I ask if he is a good friend? Is it possible that you will like him too? I think i've come across some discussions where you said that you are "NBSB" right? is that you? maybe it's the right time to entertain the idea of having a boyfriend
• Philippines
13 Nov 11
I did ask him but he said that there is no reason and that he just felt like doing it. Probably because I told him that he is too thrifty and that he got challenged by it. Yes he is a good friend who happened to like me before and I like him too but only as a friend nothing more. Yes, I am NBSB. Probably that was me. *blushes* But I still feel that it's not the right time to be in love. I still want to focus on building my career.
@boyuancy (1708)
• India
17 Nov 11
No guys do not expect a 'Gift'. All he wants is your company and your friendship and love. But if you feel anything worth doing give a really thoughtful gift, like a well compiled collection of songs, a tee with a nice message or a card made by you. It will really make him feel special. And you will see the results.
• Iraq
13 Nov 11
i do not what is it stand for, but, by mt experience. i had the same experience just like this, but i was the one, give the gift to the girl. at that time, i really do not wanna something as return, i do that just make me satisfy, i really have the feeling with that girl, but i know that we can not together, because, at that time, we were too young to make some kinds of promise or others, so i just wanna her happy, and i just want to share with her, till now, we also keep in touch, but just as best friends, and eventually her have her family now. so what i wanna to say is that, just take ease and release of it, as you said you are the best friends, so it is ok! and it is nature that, the man take care, and share with the woman, it that right!!? i do not know, and it is up to you!
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
13 Nov 11
Hi betwitching..let me start by saying there are two types of people in this big old world GIVERS and TAKERS..now it may make you alittle uncomfortable as you expressed but be very grateful that your friend is not a taker..it sounds as if he is just a nice person who is perhahs a little loney..Does he have a girlfriend and what age bracket are you guys..You should aways be on your P % Q but don't make any more out of it than it really is..If he has a girlfriend then there is definately an unspoken issue...keep your eyes and your mouth mum and be observant. You will eventually find out what the deal is...BE CAREFUL...
• United States
13 Nov 11
When I give gifts or presents I typically don't expect something back because your suppose to give willingly. But sometimes if the present I get is super meaningful or expensive, then I do expect something back to cope for the blow in my pocket or time. I know this is very greedy, and I'm working to get the funds so that I won't have to expect something back but until then I'll probably always want something back after I give you a really nice present!
• Serbia And Montenegro
13 Nov 11
Well if he keeps on giving gift that means he does not want anything in return. When I give gifts to my gf I give it because I like to give and like to make people happy and she loves surprises so we are both winner :D. Maybe he is interested in more than friendship.